In Reply to: Containers to Oz...Be Advised posted by Barong Naga on Thursday, 15. July 2004 at 16:54 Bali Time:
Further to your post, the Peak Season Surcharge quoted by most shipping lines here in Australia is US$300 per 20' and US$600 per 40'(GP or HC), so your forwarder's quoted PSS of US$400 / 40' seems reasonable.
Received last week:
"The PSS ex South East Asia will be implemented with effect from 1st August as ships in the southbound trade from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam & India-Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh) to Australia start reaching capacity. This year's PSS ex South East Asia is USD300 per 20' and USD600 per 40'".
It seems the shipping lines are profiteering at the expense of small business here in Australia. In fact, many small businesses have already advised that with the Rate Restoration and the Peak Season Surcharge, they can no longer afford to import from Asia, at least until the freight rates are reduced. Shipping lines have also announced that a FURTHER rate restoration of US$250.00 / 20' and US$500 / 40' will come into effect from 1st October.
The "Australian Competition and Consumer Commission" (ACCC)is currently investigating shipping line increases. Quoted from their website:
"The ACCC is currently conducting an investigation into the conduct of parties (cargo shipping lines) to a discussion agreement registered under Part X. The conduct involves price increases announced by members of the Asia–Australia Discussion Agreement (AADA)".
To read more, go to: www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/352027